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$11.489m: EFCC Rejects Patience Jonathan’s Out Of court Settlement

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Former First Lady Patience Jonathan’s bid to settle out of court the brewing dispute over the strange payment of $11,489,069.03 into her domiciliary accounts has been rejected.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the ex-First Lady to come before a court by entering into a plea bargain in line with the laws of the land.

The agency said it would only accept a plea bargain in which the court is carried along.

Also, EFCC detectives have not been able to trace about 29 of the 31 individuals and companies which made the controversial deposits.

The development has fuelled speculations that some of the depositors are “fictitious”. Some of the shops where the ex-First Lady visited are said to have offered to give details of how much was spent and the items bought.

The EFCC believes that an out-of-court settlement suggests that there is a dispute between two parties.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have considered the January 30, 2018 letter by Dame (Mrs.) Ibifaka Patience Jonathan; we are of the opinion that her offer of out-of-court settlement is strange and confounding as if there is a dispute between her and the EFCC. “We are certainly rejecting the offer from the ex-First Lady because the EFCC does not engage in such a deal. “But we prefer the ex-First Lady approaching a court for plea bargain in line with the relevant laws if she is ready to settle all issues. The terms of the plea bargain will be open to all parties before the court. “I think she should emulate other high profile suspects who went to the court for plea bargain. We are ready to apply the laws in the interest of justice for all. We won’t oppose plea bargain.” The source said the EFCC would soon make its position known to Mrs Jonathan counsel. “As an officer in the Temple of Justice, we know that the respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN) will guide the ex-First Lady accordingly,” he said.

The Nation

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Foreign

China Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorism

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China has restated its readiness to continue supporting Nigeria in the ongoing fight against terrorism and efforts to maintain national stability.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, gave the assurance after a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday.

In a statement shared via X, the ambassador said China “firmly supports” the Nigerian government’s development strategies that align with the country’s realities and long-term goals.

Dunhai also emphasized that China remains opposed to any external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs “under the pretext of religion and human rights.”

The meeting further strengthened diplomatic ties between both nations, with discussions centered on security collaboration and sustainable development.

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Tanzania Erupts in Protests Over Controversial Election as President Samia Faces Mounting Pressure

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Tanzania has been plunged into chaos as citizens flood the streets to protest alleged irregularities in the country’s presidential election.

The unrest, which erupted shortly after the announcement of preliminary results, has spread rapidly across major cities. In Dar es Salaam — the nation’s commercial hub with a population exceeding seven million — the situation escalated as angry demonstrators set government offices and several public buildings on fire.

The tension comes amid heightened political scrutiny of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who became Tanzania’s first female president following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in 2021. Many opposition supporters allege that the current election was manipulated to keep her in power, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in the democratic process.

In response to the violence, the police have imposed an overnight curfew in Dar es Salaam to restore order and prevent further destruction. Security forces have also been deployed across key areas of the city to contain the growing tension.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm while investigations into the alleged electoral misconduct continue. However, opposition figures and civil society groups are demanding accountability, insisting that the people’s mandate must be respected.

As the crisis deepens, many fear the situation could spiral into nationwide unrest if dialogue and swift action are not taken.

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U.S. Revokes Wole Soyinka’s Visa, Restricting His Entry Into the Country

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Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has disclosed that the United States government has revoked his visa, effectively barring him from entering the country for now.

Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, Soyinka said he was notified of the development through an official letter from the U.S. Consulate dated October 23, 2025.

He explained that he decided to make the matter public to inform organizations and individuals expecting him in the U.S. not to proceed with any travel-related plans.

> “I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” Soyinka said, expressing shock at the decision. “I don’t have any criminal record or even a misdemeanour that could warrant such an action. I keep asking myself—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States?”

According to Soyinka, the letter from the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the U.S. Consulate stated that the revocation was in accordance with U.S. Department of State regulations but gave no specific reason for the decision.

His revoked visa was a B1/B2 category, typically granted for business and tourism purposes.

Earlier in September, PM News reported that Soyinka had declined a request from the U.S. Consulate to attend a visa re-interview, saying he initially believed the notification letter was fake or a scam.

Despite the development, Soyinka emphasized that he bears no animosity toward U.S. authorities, adding that his previous interactions with American diplomats had always been cordial.

He concluded by noting that he would continue to seek clarification on the matter but does not regard the revocation as a personal attack.

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